throbber
US008053042B1
`
`(12) Ulllted States Patent
`Loomis
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,053,042 B1
`Nov. 8, 2011
`
`(54) ARTIFICIAL TREE APPARATUS
`
`.
`(76) Inventor: Jason Loomls, Decatur, GA (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U_S_C_ 154(1)) by 0 days
`
`(21) Appl. N0.: 12/836,425
`
`(22) Filed;
`
`JUL 14, 2010
`
`Related US. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/225,258, ?led on Jul.
`14 2009
`’
`'
`(51) Int Cl
`(2006 01)
`A 47G 33/06
`428/20 362/123_ 428/18
`(52) Us Cl
`h
`’
`428’/17 20
`""
`58
`F,‘ I'd
`assl ca Ion 6:5;
`4 93/; 5 6’
`0
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`1e
`See a lication ?le for Com lete gearch hist’o
`pp
`p
`1y‘
`References Cited
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,855,880 A *
`5,409,745 A *
`5,422,797 A
`5,652,032 A *
`5,776,559 A
`
`8/1989 Mancusi, Jr. ................ .. 362/123
`4/1995 McGuire 11111111111111111111111 .. 428/18
`6/1995 Shattan
`7/1997 Kaczor et a1. ................. .. 428/18
`7/1998 Woolford
`
`6,457,839 B1 * 10/2002 Grandoit ..................... .. 362/123
`6,458,435 B1
`10/2002 Lai
`6,588,914 B1
`7/2003 T
`6,773,134 B2
`8/2004 Hé?gey
`6,840,663 B2
`1/2005 Kao
`7,052,156 B2
`5/2006 Primeau
`. . . . .. 428/17
`7,132,139 B2* 11/2006 Yang . . . . . . .
`428/19
`7,144,610 B1 * 12/2006 Estes et a1.
`7,585,552 B2* 9/2009 Meseke ......................... .. 428/19
`* Cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner * Aaron Austin
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm * Larry D. Johnson
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`_
`_
`_
`_
`An arti?cial tree apparatus having a plurality of tree trunk
`segments that couple together to provide electrical poWer to
`receptacles on each of the segments. An electrical line is
`connected to a ?rst trunk segment electrical connector, such
`thatWhenthe?rsttrunksegmentisbroughtintojuxtaposition
`With the second trunk segment, a detent on the ?rst trunk
`segment can be brought into alignment With and slidably
`engage With a guide slot on the second trunk segment to
`permit connection of the ?rst trunk segment electrical con
`nector (socket) With the second trunk segment electrical con
`nector (plug). The recessed location of the plug on the second
`segment protects the plug prongs, and connection With the
`corresponding socket on the ?rst segment is only possible
`When the detent on the ?rst segment has been aligned With the
`guide slot on the second segment.
`
`10 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`Willis Exhibit 1005 - 1
`
`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 8, 2011
`
`Sheet 1 012
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`US 8,053,042 B1
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`3 I 3
`22
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`half: 9
`mag l1
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`9
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`FIG. 1
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`I? 12
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`@2011
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`Willis Exhibit 1005 - 2
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Nov. 8, 2011
`
`Sheet 2 of2
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`US 8,053,042 B1
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`Willis Exhibit 1005 - 3
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`

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`US 8,053,042 B1
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`1
`ARTIFICIAL TREE APPARATUS
`
`CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application claims the bene?t of the ?ling date
`of US. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/225,258,
`?led Jul. 14, 2009. The foregoing application is incorporated
`by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein.
`
`STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY
`SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
`
`Not applicable.
`
`REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
`
`Not applicable.
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`The present invention relates generally to arti?cial trees,
`and more particularly to an improved arti?cial tree apparatus
`that is easily assembled and disassembled.
`
`BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND
`DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
`
`US. Pat. No. 7,052,156 to Primeau discloses a combina
`tion arti?cial tree-lighting arrangement including a generally
`elongated tree trunk. The combination also includes a plural
`ity of connecting components mountable on the tree trunk and
`a plurality of display components mountable on the connect
`ing components. Each display component has tree limbs and
`lighting cables extending therefrom. The lighting cables are
`provided With decorative lights. An electrical circuitry con
`nectable to an electrical poWer source is attachable to the
`connecting components. The electrical circuitry includes a
`connecting component-to-light coupling arrangement for
`electrically coupling the connecting components to the deco
`rative lights. The connecting component-to-light coupling
`arrangement alloWs the display components to rotate relative
`to the connecting components about a rotation axis substan
`tially parallel to the trunk longitudinal axis While maintaining
`the electrical coupling betWeen the connecting components
`and the decorative lights.
`US. Pat. No. 6,840,663 to Kao describes a panel branch for
`an arti?cial tree. The panel branch includes a plurality of
`tWigs, a channel element, a number of inserts, and a hook-like
`member. Each tWig is inserted through an aperture in the
`insert and the insert, in turn, is placed in and secured in the
`channel element. The hook-like member has a short side used
`to secure the branch to an arti?cial trunk and a long side
`secured in the channel element. Optical ?bers are associated
`With the tWigs of the panel branch. Each optical ?ber is
`threaded through an aperture in an insert and gathered into a
`bundle. A socket With a light source is provided to receive the
`bundle of optical ?bers such that the branch is lighted.
`US. Pat. No. 6,773,134 to Harvey teaches an illuminated
`arti?cial tree having a display position and a folded position
`constructed of an odd number of upright Wire mesh panels
`hingedly attached at their vertical inner edges, the panels
`including a ?rst end panel, a second end panel and a plurality
`of intermediate panels betWeen the ?rst and second end pan
`els. A string of decorative lights are attached in a plurality of
`spaced, reversed loops, the string extending from adjacent the
`loWer edge of the ?rst panel around the intermediate panels to
`
`2
`the second panel, then upWardly along the outer edge of the
`second panel, and then back around the outer edges of the
`intermediate panels to the ?rst panel, thereby permitting fold
`ing of the tree Without removal of the light string.
`US. Pat. No. 6,588,914 to Tang discloses an arti?cial tree
`structure With decorative lamps, comprising a plurality of
`holloW tubes or iron Wires of various lengths, in the shape of
`tree branches, arranged from top to bottom around the main
`trunk supported by detachable legs. On each side sticks are
`installed a plurality of iron Wires to form the shape of tree
`branches. The exterior of the holloW tubes or iron Wires is
`Wound by dense tree leaves. The lamps installed in the holloW
`tubes or on the iron Wires are serially connected to become
`decorative lamp strings. The decorative lamp strings are then
`combined in parallel connection, running doWn the main
`trunk to be connected to a control box and a poWer trans
`former. The structure described above provides the arti?cial
`tree With decorative lamps, using the control box to produce
`music and lighting effects of different luminosity and ?ashing
`speeds.
`US. Pat. No. 6,458,435 to Lai describes an arti?cial tree
`With a central trunk, a number of main branches suspended
`from an upper portion of the trunk in a doWnWardly and
`outWardly inclined orientation, and a preformed tree top sec
`tion extending upWardly from the upper portion of the trunk.
`Each main branch includes a number of sub-branch clusters
`and a bundle of ?ber optic conduits Which terminate in the
`sub -branches. The bundles of ?ber optic conduits are received
`in an opaque enclosure housing a high intensity light source,
`Which enclosure is attached to the upper portion of the trunk.
`Electric lights are disclosed as an alternative means to illu
`minate the tree. The trunk includes upWardly open hook ele
`ments Which receive pin elements Within the interior of rigid
`support members of the main branches. Each sub-branch
`cluster is pivotally connected to an associated rigid support
`member to articulate betWeen a collapsed position for storage
`and shipping, and an extended position for display.
`US. Pat. No. 5,776,559 to Woolford teaches an electri?ed,
`arti?cial Christmas tree, Which comprises both the arti?cial
`tree, composed of a stand and trunk With attachable branches,
`and various electrical components. The trunk portion of the
`tree is composed of a plurality of coupled sections Which are
`joined together in a vertical orientation, and each of Which has
`holes for branches to be inserted. The trunk pieces also have
`electrical sockets Which are internally connected to the base
`of the trunk. The base of the trunk has attached to it another
`electrical socket and a master poWer cable. In use, the tree is
`assembled as any standard arti?cial tree, connecting trunk
`pieces together, and inserting into them branches of various
`siZes. Any conventional ornament or lighting ?xture may be
`hung on these branches, and plugged into the trunk for poWer
`requirements. A stand at the base of the trunk provides sta
`bility, and internal circuit breakers provide assurance against
`?re. A line from the trunk is plugged into a poWered electrical
`to provide poWer to the entire tree.
`US. Pat. No. 5,422,797 to Shattan discloses an illuminated
`arti?cial tree and its method of manufacture in Which a plu
`rality of branches extend from a trunk of the tree, each branch
`being formed by spirally Winding a strip assembly of a plu
`rality of juxtaposed ?ber optic elements and simulated pine
`needles on an elongated support Wire. The ?ber optic ele
`ments and simulated pine needles extend around the Wire in
`adjacent relation to provide an interspersed array of pine
`needles and ?ber optic elements all along the length of the
`branch. The ?ber optic elements are illuminated at the base of
`the tree to provide points of light substantially all around each
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`Willis Exhibit 1005 - 4
`
`

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`US 8,053,042 B1
`
`3
`branch along its entire length. A member of branches are
`assembled along the trunk from the top down.
`The foregoing patents re?ect the current state of the art of
`which the present inventor is aware. Reference to, and dis
`cussion of, these patents is intended to aid in discharging
`Applicant’s acknowledged duty of candor in disclosing infor
`mation that may be relevant to the examination of claims to
`the present invention. However, it is respectfully submitted
`that none of the above-indicated patents disclose, teach, sug
`gest, show, or otherwise render obvious, either singly or when
`considered in combination, the invention described and
`claimed herein.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The present invention provides an arti?cial tree apparatus
`having a plurality of tree trunk segments that couple together
`to provide electrical power to receptacles on each of the
`segments. The apparatus includes a ?rst trunk segment having
`a cylindrical body with an outside wall and an internal cavity.
`The ?rst trunk segment has an upper portion and lower por
`tion, the upper portion having an outside diameter, a raised
`detent on the outside wall, and an end face bearing an elec
`trical connector such as a socket. A second trunk segment also
`has a cylindrical body with an outside wall and an internal
`cavity, and also has an upper portion and lower portion, this
`lower portion having an inside diameter marginally greater
`than the ?rst trunk segment upper portion outside diameter so
`that the ?rst trunk segment upper portion can slide into and
`engage the second trunk segment lower portion. The second
`trunk segment lower portion has a notch or guide slot in the
`outside wall, and a recessed end face bearing an electrical
`connector such as a plug. An electrical line is connected to the
`?rst trunk segment electrical connector, such that when the
`?rst trunk segment upper portion is brought into juxtaposition
`with the second trunk segment lower portion, the detent on the
`?rst trunk segment upper portion can be brought into align
`ment with and slidably engage with the guide slot on the
`second trunk segment lower portion to permit connection of
`the ?rst trunk segment electrical connector (socket) with the
`second trunk segment electrical connector (plug).
`The recessed location of the plug on the second segment
`protects the plug prongs, and connection with the correspond
`ing socket on the ?rst segment is only possible when the
`detent on the ?rst segment has been aligned with the guide
`slot on the second segment. That is, the plug and socket are
`positioned within their respective trunk segments so that not
`until the detent and guide slot on the segments are properly
`aligned are the plug prongs and the socket holes capable of
`connection.
`The cylindrical shapes of the corresponding tree trunk
`segments facilitates connection of the segments, as juxtapo
`sition and initial insertion of the ?rst (male) segment into the
`second (female) segment can be achieved at any angular
`position, that is, the smaller diameter male portion can freely
`rotate within the larger diameter female portion when they are
`?rst inserted together. However, by locating the raised detent
`a short distance (offset) from the socket on the end face,
`complete connection of the plug prongs with the socket is
`prevented until the two segments are rotated relative to one
`another until the guide slot and detent are properly aligned,
`ensuring that the plug prongs will then slide straight into the
`socket holes.
`The arti?cial tree apparatus of the present invention thus
`provides an improved coupling arrangement for the trunk
`portions of an arti?cial tree in which each section, besides
`connecting easily, carries current and any other important
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`4
`electrical information or commands via the tree column. Each
`section is thus electrically contained, meaning that the light
`ing source (string), whether it be incandescent or LED plug in
`strings (AC) or strictly DC operated LED strings, connects/
`plugs into its corresponding section of the column (trunk) of
`the tree. This design will also work for unlit trees (where the
`consumer strings the tree) but is mostly considered for pre-lit
`trees.
`Each section of the tree couples with its connecting partner,
`thus delivering the current through the column of the tree
`from a connector/controller/plug that plugs into an AC
`socket. This makes assembly and disassembly much easier
`for the user. No need to plug individual strings together or
`plug strings from one section of tree to another or run long
`electrical leaders to other areas of the tree. To assemble, just
`couple each section together and turn it on. Each section of
`column couples together mechanically and electrically. To
`disassemble, just fold up the branches up and de-couple each
`section.
`One embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a DC
`motor in the base that allows the tree to rotate. A wireless
`remote control allows the user to turn the lights on and off and
`turn the rotation motor on and off via the power/ controller box
`(power transformer/light controller/tree rotation controller
`box). A tapered top section perfectly connects with a tree
`topper socket.
`A DC version may be different in that it has DC socket
`connections in the column of the tree instead of AC sockets.
`On this version the voltage is reduced at the controller box
`plugged in at the wall so all voltage beyond that point is low
`voltage.
`The controller box may contain a voice activated light
`controller, and in the DC version the user may be able to turn
`the tree lights on and off via a special touch sensor ornament
`(e.g., a metal snow?ake) that is permanently attached to the
`tree.
`In one embodiment, small DC connector interfaces are
`placed on the middle column of the tree (trunk). This enables
`pre lit trees that are lit with low voltage LED strings that
`connect directly into the middle column of the tree. If one
`string goes out the user can easily identify the rogue string,
`unplug it and replace it with a working string. Gone are the
`days of strings all connected together in a confusing mess.
`The coupling system between each section of tree in the
`DC version may be different than the AC version. These extra
`connectors allow for additional information transfer from the
`controller/voltage box to the tree; e. g., a touch activated
`on/off switch built into the tree, lighting effects, etc.
`The top section of the middle column may have one or
`more AC type plug; this allows the user to plug some already
`existing low voltage device, such as an illuminated tree topper
`into the tree without having to run an extension cord down to
`the ?oor and into an outlet.
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
`a new and improved arti?cial tree.
`It is another object of the present invention to provide a new
`and improved arti?cial illuminated tree that is easily
`assembled and disassembled.
`A further object or feature of the present invention is a new
`and improved arti?cial tree that carries current and any other
`important electrical information or commands via the tree
`column.
`An even further object of the present invention is to provide
`a novel arti?cial tree where the lighting source plugs into its
`corresponding section of the column (trunk) of the tree.
`Other novel features which are characteristic of the inven
`tion, as to organiZation and method of operation, together
`
`Willis Exhibit 1005 - 5
`
`

`
`US 8,053,042 B1
`
`5
`With further objects and advantages thereof Will be better
`understood from the following description considered in con
`nection With the accompanying drawings, in Which preferred
`embodiments of the invention are illustrated by Way of
`example. It is to be expressly understood, hoWever, that the
`draWings are for illustration and description only and are not
`intended as a de?nition of the limits of the invention. The
`various features of novelty Which characterize the invention
`are pointed out With particularity in the claims annexed to and
`forming part of this disclosure. The invention resides not in
`any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the par
`ticular combination of all of its structures for the functions
`speci?ed.
`There has thus been broadly outlined the more important
`features of the invention in order that the detailed description
`thereof that folloWs may be better understood, and in order
`that the present contribution to the art may be better appreci
`ated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention
`that Will be described hereinafter and Which Will form addi
`tional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those
`skilled in the art Will appreciate that the conception upon
`Which this disclosure is based readily may be utiliZed as a
`basis for the designing of other structures, methods and sys
`tems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
`invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be
`regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar
`as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present
`invention.
`Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the US.
`Patent and Trademark O?ice and the public generally, and
`especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art
`Who are not familiar Withpatent or legal terms or phraseology,
`to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and
`essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The
`Abstract is neither intended to de?ne the invention of this
`application, Which is measured by the claims, nor is it
`intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any
`Way.
`Certain terminology and derivations thereof may be used in
`the folloWing description for convenience in reference only,
`and Will not be limiting. For example, Words such as
`“upWard,” “doWnWard,” “left,” and “right” Would refer to
`directions in the draWings to Which reference is made unless
`otherWise stated. Similarly, Words such as “inWard” and “out
`Ward” Would refer to directions toWard and aWay from,
`respectively, the geometric center of a device or area and
`designated parts thereof. References in the singular tense
`include the plural, and vice versa, unless otherWise noted.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`The invention Will be better understood and objects other
`than those set forth above Will become apparent When con
`sideration is given to the folloWing detailed description
`thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed
`draWings Wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a side elevation vieW of an arti?cial tree apparatus
`of this invention as assembled but Without branches or light
`strings installed; and
`FIG. 2 is a perspective vieW illustrating the coupling of tWo
`trunk segments.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
`
`Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, Wherein like reference numer
`als refer to like components in the various vieWs, there is
`illustrated therein a neW and improved arti?cial tree appara
`
`65
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`6
`tus, generally denominated 10 herein. FIG. 1 is a side eleva
`tion vieW of an arti?cial tree apparatus 10 of this invention as
`assembled but Without branches or light strings installed. Tree
`10 includes a plurality of tree trunk segments 12, 14, 16, 18,
`each preferably carrying one or more branch supports 20 for
`connection to arti?cial branches (not illustrated), and one or
`more electrical receptacles 22 (e.g., 15 A 125V) for connec
`tion to series or series parallel connected lighting strings (not
`illustrated). PoWer cord 24 is connected to base segment 12
`With strain relief 26, and supplies poWer to all of the recep
`tacles 22 on the assembled segments. Base segment 12 may
`also include a fuse (eg 5 A 125V) and fuse holder 28 inter
`posed in the poWer cord, and a tree stand 30.
`FIG. 2 is a perspective vieW illustrating the coupling of tWo
`trunk segments 14, 16. First trunk segment 14 has a cylindri
`cal body 32 With an outside Wall 34 and an internal cavity 36.
`The ?rst trunk segment 14 has an upper portion 14a and loWer
`portion 14b, the upperportion 1411 having an outside diameter
`D1, a raised feature or detent 38 on the outside Wall 34, and an
`end face 40 bearing an electrical connector such as a socket 42
`(e.g., 15 A 125V). Second trunk segment 16 also has a cylin
`drical body 44 With an outside Wall 46 and an internal cavity
`48, and also has an upper portion 16a and loWer portion 16b,
`this loWer portion having an inside diameter D2 marginally
`greater than the ?rst trunk segment upper portion 1411 outside
`diameter D1 so that the ?rst trunk segment upper portion 1411
`can slide into and engage the second trunk segment loWer
`portion 16b. The second trunk segment loWer portion 16b has
`a notch or guide slot 50 in the outside Wall 46, and a recessed
`end face 52 bearing an electrical connector such as a plug 54.
`The electrical line 24 is connected to the ?rst trunk segment
`electrical connector 42, such that When the ?rst trunk segment
`upper portion 14a is brought into juxtaposition With the sec
`ond trunk segment loWerportion 16b, the detent 38 on the ?rst
`trunk segment upper portion 1411 can be brought into align
`ment With and slidably engage With the guide slot 50 on the
`second trunk segment loWer portion 16b to permit connection
`of the ?rst trunk segment electrical connector (socket) 42 With
`the second trunk segment electrical connector (plug) 54.
`The recessed location of the plug on the second segment
`protects the plug prongs, and connection With the correspond
`ing socket on the ?rst segment is only possible When the
`detent 38 on the ?rst segment has been aligned With the guide
`slot 50 on the second segment. By locating the raised detent
`38 a short distance (offset 56) from the socket on the end face
`40, complete connection of the plug 54 With the socket 42 is
`prevented until the tWo segments are rotated relative to one
`another until the guide slot and detent are properly aligned,
`ensuring that the plug prongs Will then slide straight into the
`socket holes.
`The above disclosure is su?icient to enable one of ordinary
`skill in the art to practice the invention, and provides the best
`mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by
`the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and com
`plete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this inven
`tion, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact con
`struction, dimensional relationships, and operation shoWn
`and described. Various modi?cations, alternative construc
`tions, changes and equivalents Will readily occur to those
`skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, Without
`departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such
`changes might involve alternative materials, components,
`structural arrangements, siZes, shapes, forms, functions,
`operational features or the like.
`Therefore, the above description and illustrations should
`not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, Which
`is de?ned by the appended claims.
`
`Willis Exhibit 1005 - 6
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`

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`US 8,053,042 B1
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`7
`What is claimed as invention is:
`1. An arti?cial tree apparatus comprising:
`a ?rst trunk segment having a cylindrical body With an
`outside Wall and an internal cavity, said ?rst trunk seg- 5
`ment having an upper portion and loWer portion; said
`upperportion having an outside diameter, a raised detent
`on said outside Wall, and an end face bearing an electri
`cal connector;
`a second trunk segment having a cylindrical body With an 10
`outside Wall and an internal cavity, said second trunk
`segment having an upper portion and loWer portion; said
`loWer portion having an inside diameter greater than said
`?rst trunk segment upper portion outside diameter, a
`guide slot in said outside Wall, and a recessed end face
`bearing an electrical connector; and
`an electrical line connected to said ?rst trunk segment
`electrical connector, Wherein When said ?rst trunk seg
`ment upper portion is brought into juxtaposition With 20
`said second trunk segment loWer portion, said detent on
`said ?rst trunk segment upper portion can be brought
`into alignment With and slidably engage said guide slot
`on said second trunk segment loWer portion to permit
`connection of said ?rst trunk segment upper portion end 25
`face electrical connector and said second trunk segment
`loWer portion recessed end face electrical connector.
`
`8
`2. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 1 Wherein at least
`one of said ?rst trunk segment and said second trunk segment
`outside Walls bears an electrical receptacle connected to said
`electrical line.
`3. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 1 Wherein said ?rst
`trunk segment bears an electrical fuse in said electrical line.
`4. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 3 Wherein said
`electrical fuse is located in said central cavity and is accessed
`through said outside Wall.
`5. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 1 Wherein said
`detent on said ?rst trunk segment upper portion is offset from
`said ?rst trunk segment upper portion end face.
`6. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 1 Wherein said ?rst
`trunk segment electrical connector comprises an electric
`socket.
`7. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 1 Wherein said
`second trunk segment electrical connector comprises an elec
`tric plug.
`8. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 1 Wherein said ?rst
`trunk segment upper portion comprises a reduced diameter
`section of said ?rst trunk segment cylindrical body.
`9. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 1 Wherein said ?rst
`trunk segment is attached to a tree stand.
`10. The arti?cial tree apparatus of claim 1 Wherein said
`electrical line is secured to said ?rst trunk segment internal
`cavity With a strain relief.
`
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`Willis Exhibit 1005 - 7

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